Jean and Kevin grab their trays and handle them firmly, their arms stiff. They turn away from the bustling stalls and make their way through the lively aisle of tables. Navigating through the river of students, they move carefully, ensuring they don't bump into anyone along the way. Balancing their trays with expertise, Jean and Kevin forge ahead, scanning for unoccupied seats amidst the sea of fellow students.
Resting atop Jean's tray is a steaming bowl of reddish-brown stew. Next to it, a small plate holds macaroni glistening with melted cheese. Adjacent to these dishes, plates of spaghetti and a slice of bread complete the ensemble. Filling the remaining space, a glass of water rests in the centre, providing a harmonious balance to Jean's tray.
Meanwhile, a plate of sizzling steak with savoury gravy takes centre stage on Kevin's tray. Accompanying it is a generous portion of pasta with scarlet sauce and meatballs. A bowl containing a bagel and a slice of flatbread filled with delectable meat complements the other dishes. In contrast to Jean's choice, Kevin has opted for a refreshing cucumber juice, its green hue shimmering under the warm glow of the chandeliers above.
Jean and Kevin's eyes immediately lock on a table with unoccupied seats. Sporting radiant smiles, they stride together, their steps filled with anticipation, eager to claim their warm spots. As they navigate the sea of fellow students, they move cautiously, ensuring their trays remain steady and their meals remain intact.
While making their way towards the vacant seats, Kevin glances at Jean. Curiosity illuminates his eyes, and he subtly presses his lips together, contemplating something intriguing. As they continue their march, a gentle breeze seems to caress Kevin's face, softly tousling his hair, creating a sensation of outdoor freshness even within the confines of the cafeteria. Inhaling deeply, Kevin lifts his chin and smirks, his brow subtly arching with a playful aura of confidence.
"So, how are your brothers?" Kevin inquired, striding amidst the bustling crowd of students.
Jean maintained his steady pace, deftly manoeuvring through the sea of people, his tray securely held in his hands. He glanced at Kevin, contemplating the question before answering, "Well, they grew up to be like our uncle." As they continued their determined march, Jean couldn't help but add, "...I'm not surprised."
Jean and Kevin finally arrive at their table. Carefully, they lower their trays onto the tabletop, ensuring the delicate balance of their porcelain plates and bowls. The smooth surface of the tablecloth provides a soft foundation for their culinary treasures. Gently, they pull out their chairs, lifting them slightly to avoid any unpleasant scraping sounds against the floor. As they ease into their seats, their bodies sink into the plush, inviting cushions.
"Me either. They do possess quite some energy," Kevin remarked, shaking his head lightly as he settled comfortably into his chair.
As the conversation continued, Jean's eyes suddenly lit up, and he pointed towards a distant spot in the cafeteria. "Speaking of my brothers, look, there they are," he smiled.
Amidst the sea of students, Bertie and George emerge, their trays held firmly in their hands. Oblivious to Jean's presence at the nearby table, they confidently strut forward, their gaze fixed on a specific spot in the corner of the bustling cafeteria. With grins that cover their faces, Bertie and George eagerly make their way, skillfully maintaining the balance of their trays. However, just as they are about to reach their destination, a familiar voice resonates behind them, causing them to halt abruptly.
"Not planning on greeting your own brother?" Jean called out, raising his voice above the bustling clamour of the cafeteria.
Bertie and George come to an abrupt halt, their expressions frozen in surprise, their eyes widening, their pupils shrinking. With a gradual turn, they find Jean's gaze locked onto them. A wave of humiliation washes over their faces as they realize they had walked past their youngest brother without a word of greeting. Flush with embarrassment, Bertie and George exchange gentle nudges, silently urging each other to take the initiative and address the situation with Jean.
"Oh, hey...!" George grinned, his neck slightly retreating into his body. "Sorry! We didn't see you, bro. We, we- uh—" he stumbled, his words a mix of apology and confusion.
"Well, uh!" Bertie stammered, his words faltering as he struggled to string together a coherent sentence.
Jean couldn't help but smile, finding amusement in his siblings' reaction. "It's fine," he reassured them. "Hey, why don't you guys join us? There's plenty of room at our table."
"Oh! Yeah... about that! Well. Tsk... you see..." Bertie began, his voice filled with hesitation as he attempted to explain.
Just as Bertie struggled to find his words, a feminine voice broke through the conversation. "Hey, Bertie! George!" a girl's voice called out.
Bertie and George winced, almost losing grasp of their tray.
YOU ARE READING
Probing Visions 1
FantasyWith the help of his visions, Jean Hidesine-Podeshire, a boy who lost his mother, seeks to trace his mother's history and uncover her whereabouts. Pushed by the desire to reunite with his long-lost mother, Jean Hidesine-Podeshire, a student at a pre...
